Known as "Shinrin-yoku" or forest bathing, the term literally means to take in the forest atmosphere. It was founded (officially) in Japan in the 1980s and has shown benefits such as restoration, relaxation, and calming of the senses. Now, before some of you roll your eyes think of it logistically and even scientifically if you want. An individual immersed in the forest has no background noise. There is less stress, less human interaction (that may cause more stress), and you're getting more oxygen to your brain than you would if you lived in a crowded city. More oxygen = good. Less stress = good. You see?
Trees give off an organic compound that supports cells that are part of our immune system that fight off cancer. If that alone doesn't perk up your ears I invite you to check out more benefits here. Participating in forest bathing can also help you sleep and give you more energy. Now, this is by no means a cure all and I'm not saying that if you go for a walk in the woods that you will be free from all worries and trouble...but wouldn't it be nice to just clear your head? I find that in times of stress just going out for a walk helps with clarity - regardless of if it's in a forest or not. However, I have lived in the mountains and lived in cities and there is a world of difference.
I invite you to check this out a little if you'd like. In Japan there are retreats and places where you go to partake in the bathing. It's like a vacation for the sake of your mental well being. Nature has an incredible way of healing. Like the great Alan Watts once said,
"You didn't come into this world. You came out of it, like a wave from the ocean. You are not a stranger here."
Your beliefs may lead you elsewhere and that's fine, but at least try to get some fresh air today.
-CS
For further reading I've included some other sites and recommendations. Enjoy!
Shinrin-Yoku Forest Medicine
Shinrin Yoku, also called Forest Bathing, is a form of healing that involves simply wandering along forest trails and spending time in other natural places.
'Forest bathing' is latest fitness trend to hit U.S. - 'Where yoga was 30 years ago'
Over thousands of years of human history, we have effectively become an indoor species. Particularly for those of us trapped in the cubicle life, often the only times we regularly step foot outside is for our daily work commute or to run errands. In 2001, a survey sponsored by the U.S.
The Japanese practice of 'forest bathing' is scientifically proven to improve your health
The tonic of the wilderness was Henry David Thoreau's classic prescription for civilization and its discontents, offered in the 1854 essay Walden: Or, Life in the Woods. Now there's scientific evidence supporting eco-therapy. The Japanese practice of forest bathing is proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress hormone production, boost the immune system, and improve overall...
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Furthermore, if you find yourself looking for a sign or some sort of reason to get out of wherever you are and take the trip to Japan (or elsewhere) by all means, book the trip.